If you have difficulty communicating in English or are deaf/severely hearing impaired, you may be able to use an interpreter when you visit the MVA, particularly when taking a knowledge test and on any part of the skills test for a noncommercial license.  You cannot use an interpreter when taking a CDL knowledge test or skills test for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or Class A or B noncommercial.

Separate descriptions are provided below for the use of interpreters with:

• Foreign language customers; and
• Hearing impaired customers

How do I complete an MVA transaction if I cannot communicate effectively in English?

You can always bring a family member or friend to the MVA to help you answer basic questions and to apply for a license, permit or ID card.  However, if you need to take a knowledge test or skills test as part of the transaction, you must use an interpreter who is listed either on the:

• MVA Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing; or
• If there is not an interpreter on the MVA approved listing, you may use an interpreter on the State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry or CTS Language Link.

If an approved interpreter is used, an appointment with the MVA is required. Also, you are responsible for arranging and paying for the interpreter.

Be sure to bring with you all of the documents required for the transaction. Note that if you have translated, foreign language documents (see Approving Foreign Documents and/or Documents Issued to Out-of-Country Customers), the person who translated them cannot also be your interpreter.

How do I complete an MVA transaction if I am deaf or severely hearing impaired?

Call the MVA Customer Service Center or TTY/Hearing Impaired number to ask for the assistance of an interpreter.  Note that the MVA’s Driver Services Division will make all arrangements and pay for the interpreter. They will ask you for the date, time and location of the branch office where you plan to visit. You will receive confirmation of your appointment once arrangements have been made.

Be sure to bring with you all of the documents required for the transaction.

Fees:

• There are no MVA fees associated with the use of an interpreter. For information about the different licensing transaction fees, see Driver Licensing fees.
• The customer pays the costs charged by a foreign language interpreter.
• The MVA pays the costs charged by an interpreter for a hearing impaired customer.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Services Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD  21062

For telephone questions: